Jesse Jackson says son is under medical supervision

CHICAGO — Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is under "tight medical supervision" because his struggle with bipolar disorder has been compounded by recent legal troubles, his father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, said Monday in a statement.

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"He is struggling with the highs and lows of his bipolar disorder," Jackson said. "Please pray for him, Sandi and their children."

Jesse Jackson Jr.'s legal troubles came to a head on Friday, when federal prosecutors accused him of misusing more than $750,000 in campaign funds and accused his wife, Sandi, of filing false tax returns. They are both expected to sign plea deals with prosecutors.

The Jackson family has heard from "so many ministers" who have offered their prayers in the wake of a "difficult and painful ordeal," Jackson said.

Noting that his son issued a statement of apology on Friday, Jackson said, "Our hope is that his sincere apology will be well received. This is a storm. Within time, storms pass over.

"Please continue to pray for our family," Jackson concluded. "Let's pray for each other. Let's pray for hope and change. Through it all, prayer, forgiveness and redemption still matter."

Jackson Jr., a Chicago Democrat, has been largely out of sight since June, when he began a leave of absence from the House. He won re-election last November but resigned his post later that month.

Jesse Jackson Jr. is struggling with bipolar disorder and legal problems, his father said. ﻿